Welcome To The KONA
Cloud Forest Sanctuary
Please note that reservations are required to visit the Sanctuary
Tours daily: 8:30am & 11:30am
What makes the Sanctuary unique?
Founded in 1982, the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is a reforested and preserved lush cloud forest ecosystem situated on the Kona side (the dry side) of Hawai’i island. A multi-generation family stewarded and operated passion project educating about reforestation and the healing benefits of nature immersion – it is truly a living classroom and restorative oasis!
What is the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary?
Founded in 1982, the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is an uncommon lush ecosystem situated on the Kona side (the dry side) of Hawai’i island.
What does the Sanctuary offer?
At the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, you’ll discover a variety of offerings focused on cloud forest education and well-being within a vibrant botanical haven. Visitors highly appreciate our informative eco-tours, revitalizing sound bath meditations, engaging workshops, retreats, and a host of other enriching experiences.
Our mission is to elevate loving connection, awareness, restoration and preservation of forest ecosystems.
Experience The Sanctuary
On Hawai’i island, step into an otherworldly experience on the slopes of Hualālai, conveniently located 15 minutes up the mountain from the Kona airport. Allow yourself to feel grounded and rejuvenated by the enchanting beauty of an often mist-laden tropical cloud forest. Whether you come to see the diverse plant life that thrives in this very rare ecosystem, learn about cloud forests and the important role they play, be inspired by an incredible reforestation effort, cool off from the coastal heat, or seek solace in mindfulness practices – we welcome you here at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary for guided walking tours, sound bath meditations, and more!
Guided Cloud Forest Tours
We offer a variety of guided walking experiences to explore the Sanctuary that appeal to the interests and needs of all our visitors. Did you know that cloud forests make up less than 1% of all forested land around the world? Come immerse yourselves in this beautiful Hawaiian tropical montane cloud forest! On your guided tour you will discover trees, ferns, bamboo, flowers, and wildlife that you have never seen before, and learn about the geology, meteorology, biology, and human impact of this unique ecosystem, and the inspiring story of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. The trails have surface level roots to navigate around and over, and there are some inclines. If you are not sure it will be conducive to your physical limitations, please give us a call.
Sound Bath & Meditation Journey
Everything is vibration! A sound bath is an immersive sound experience intended to sooth and align your energetic and emotional body, and mind, into balance. This is done by utilizing harmonic sounds and frequencies generated by crystal bowls, gongs, and other vibrational instruments. Surrounded by the native ʻōhiʻa lehua forest, you will be guided through a relaxing meditation and bathed in sound as you allow yourself to fall into the deep state of relaxation that you deserve.
Yoga In The Clouds
Welcome to our gentle flow Yoga experience at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary!
Join us for an experience, accessible to all, where nature’s embrace elevates your practice. Surrounded by vibrant sounds and lush foliage, discover a space to connect mind, body, and spirit through fluid and expansive guided movement.
Photography Tour (Thursdays)
Upcoming Events
Mālama 'Āina Service Event | Saturday, January 18th
Exploring Within: A Music & Movement Wellness Journey in Nature (Sundays)
In collaboration with Exploring Within, this one-of-a-kind experience, led by your guide Briana, blends naturalist insights with transformative movement practices. Using noise-cancelling headphones, you’ll be guided through your headphones with music and Briana’s voice to immerse yourself in the forest’s beauty through dance, sensory exploration, and playful activities. Perfect for all, this experience fosters joy, connection, and inner peace, making it a cherished favorite in Hawai’i.
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Most Common Questions
Preserving the wellness of the forest and ensuring the safety of our visitors is our family’s top priority. Therefore, we only offer guided walks through the Sanctuary. This allows us to preserve the health of the forest, ensure the safety of our guests, and provide you with an authentic and rich experience unlike any other as you adventure through the Sanctuary with your highly trained and educated tour guide!!
We ask that you wear close-toed shoes that you will be comfortable hiking in, bring water, a camera to take photos, and a light rain jacket in case of showers. Always be prepared to get wet, in a cloud forest it can rain at any time! And of course, remember your adventure hat!
Yes, Hawaii has a Winter-Dry Tropical Montane Cloud Forest on the leeward side of Hawaii Island, also known as “the Kona side of the island” or “west Hawaii”.
This cloud forest is the only cloud forest in the United States and is a unique ecosystem situated between 2,500 to 5,000 feet elevation on the slopes of Mt. Hualalai.
Cloud forests are very rare to come across and only make up ~1% of all forests around the world.
Historically, the Kona Cloud Forest region has been mismanaged and deforested by ranching, agricultural practices and residential construction.
The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is a private Sanctuary situated within the Kona Cloud Forest region. The Sanctuary is a 4 generation family stewarded passion project of reforesting and restoring the damaged and deforested areas of the cloud forest into a dense cloud forest jungle, containing sacred plants and trees to Hawaii as well as sacred plants and trees from all over the world.
It is critical to protect and restore this unique ecosystem as the health and vitality of the Kona Cloud Forest region is fundamental to providing clean water to Kona, protecting the health of the coral reefs, allowing for a thriving coffee and agricultural industry lower on the mountain, and being a home to endemic plants and birds only found in Hawai’i and no where else in the world.
The mission of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is to elevate connection, awareness, restoration, and preservation of forest ecosystems.
We ask that you arrive 10 minutes before your experience begins. Late arrivals impact other guests, therefore we always aim to start promptly. If you’re late and we need to start without you, you may be subject to the terms of our ’no show’ policy. Please arrive on time. Mahalo for respecting others and our collective experience together.
Yes people can donate to the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary.